Rotary North Launceston Romac

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Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children Reaching Out to Mend All Children
One year ago, Chandu had come home around 6 in the evening after playing cricket in school. Since he was feeling very tired, he had an early dinner and a shower and gone to bed. They had no electricity and he was using a bottle kerosene oil lamp to read. He was reading the newspaper in bed when the cat decided to chase an insect and knock the lamp. The paper caught fire burning his hands and the back. He arrived in Melbourne on 7 September at 4.30 pm in transit to Launceston, Tasmania. The District Governor Bob Sydes and wife Jan arrived at Melbourne to take charge of Chandu and fly with him to Tasmania to be looked after by the clubs in District 9830.
David and Sally Jackson became host parents for Chandu Wijeratne, Chandu arrived in Launceston last Sept 2003 to receive important medical treatment for severe burns caused by an oil lamp accident. Scarring to both hands caused deformities and made movement difficult. Chandu's prospects in Sri Lanka were bleek without this treatment. Chandu was brought to Launceston through ROMAC,Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children. Whilst in Launceston he attended St Patricks College, making many new friends . Support was received not only by the many Rotarians but also the Sri Lankan Community of Launceston. His operation were performed by Plastic Surgeon Gary Kode, at St Vincents Hospital. Everyone donating their time FREE of charge. David and Sally have said they learnt a great deal from this wonderful experience and would be pleased to pass on their experience to anyone wishing to host a child in the future. The Rotary Club of North Launceston played a major part towards the success of Chandu's stay.
Sally & David can be contacted on 0418 133591 and they would be happy to answer any questions you may have about hosting a child.	David Jackson and his wife Sally with Chandu after one of his many operations.